Live export vote disappointing: WSPCA

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPCA) says it is disappointed the Labor party has rejected a move to phase out live cattle exports, but is hopeful of future changes.

The animal welfare group was supporting an amendment to the party's platform that would see a four-year transition away from live export, towards chilled meat export trade, at the Australian Labor Party's (ALP) national conference over the weekend.

But the motion was defeated.

"Whilst we're disappointed the policy amendment vote didn't get through, we're also very encouraged by new momentum to support meat processing infrastructure alternatives for the livestock industry," WSPCA campaign manager Jodie Jankevics said in a statement.

"Coupled with a stronger Labor focus on the elimination of chilled meat trade barriers such as tariffs, we believe practical steps are slowly being put into place to allow the supply chain to reduce its reliance on live export."

The federal government suspended live cattle exports to Indonesia earlier this year after an ABC Four Corners program in June exposed the mistreatment of animals.

At the conference, Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig spoke out in support of the industry, saying that Labor should recognise the importance the industry has to jobs in northern Australia.

The motion the party eventually passed also acknowledged the need for supply chain assurance and expanding the use of stunning techniques.